What is a common characteristic of gauges that can result in undetected small pressure changes?

A common characteristic of gauges that can result in undetected small pressure changes is a broad range. When a gauge is designed to measure a wide range of pressures, its sensitivity to small changes in pressure at the lower end of that range may be compromised. This can lead to situations where smaller variations go unnoticed because the scale is less finely calibrated to detect subtle shifts within that broader span.

For example, if a gauge is built to function accurately from 0 to 100 psi, it might not respond sensitively to a change of 1 psi when operating near the lower end because the resolution or precision is diminished when the device is engineered to handle a much larger scale. This can lead to problems in applications where precise pressure changes are critical, such as in tanks or pipelines.

In contrast, gauges with a narrow range are usually more sensitive to minor fluctuations since they are designed to provide detailed measurements within a smaller pressure window, making it easier to detect even slight changes. Other factors like faulty calibration and incompatible materials can certainly lead to inaccuracies but do not directly relate to the inherent characteristics of the gauge's design.